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Tag Archives: Cambridge Temporary Parking Permit

If you’re reading this you’re probably moving to or from Cambridge shortly. Some people think that Cambridge is a part of Boston, but we can assure you it’s an independent city. Therefore it has its own process of obtaining a move day parking permit. Cambridge is a densely populated urban area and parking is often an issue. Although in general finding parking for a moving truck in Cambridge is not nearly as difficult as it is in parts of Boston like the North End and Beacon Hill, parking in certain parts can pose a serious challenge. There are two major reasons to think about getting what the city calls a “Moving Van Permit” for your move. Most moving companies that perform local moves in Cambridge charge based on the amount of time the move takes. Therefore getting a reserved parking spot for the moving truck near your building will help reduce the cost of your move by reducing the amount of time it takes. Secondly, if the truck has to double park or park illegally it will most likely result in a ticket which you will most likely have to pay for.

The good news is that DN Van Lines, a local Cambridge moving company, can take care of the parking permits for you at a reasonable cost. Since we perform moves in Cambridge on a daily basis, we know how to make sure your Cambridge moving truck parking permit is handled correctly.

Still, if you decide to it on your own, below is all the information you need to know on how to obtain a Parking Permit in the City of Cambridge:

The Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department in Cambridge is in a large brick building newly constructed in 2003. It’s hard to miss but to avoid any possible confusion take a look to the right for a picture of the building itself.

Boston only lets you to get parking permits in person. Somerville adds the option of applying by mail. But Cambridge goes a step further and allows you to apply for the application online. This is an extremely convenient way of getting a Cambridge street occupancy permit for your move, yet we still recommend you going to get it in person. If you do want to get it online follow this link.

When to Obtain the Permit:

The first thing you want to know about getting a parking permit for your move in Cambridge is that all applications must be submitted at least 4 business days in advance of the move. Business days do not include weekends and holidays. This is true whether you are doing it online or in person. Once you hand in your application and pay your fees you will get a physical permit to hold on to but you do not get signs to post yourself. Instead the city posts the signs for you. A city official will post your parking permit signs 48 hours prior to your move date and make sure that ample space will be available to park your moving van for easy access to your property.

Take care of this ahead of time as the city of Cambridge takes its time stipulations seriously. Keep in mind that the office closes early on Friday. And don’t get to the office at the last minute. All applications submitted in the last half hour of a day count as if they were submitted the next day. The Cambridge Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department keeps the following hours:

You will be happy to know that Cambridge is one of the least expensive places to get a parking permit in the entire state of Massachusetts. If you need an area of 50 feet or less reserved to park your moving truck then the cost of the permit is only $25.00. If you need more than 50 feet reserved then the cost doubles to $50.00.

If you are going to reserve space in front of a parking meter you will be paying an additional $10 per parking meter head per day. Make sure to write down the meter head numbers that you will be parking in front prior to going to the get the permit as they will be required during the application process.

For payment the city will accept credit card, debit card, or E-check online and those forms as well as cash in person. The last thing to keep in mind is that you will pay a permit fee for each day and for each location you reserve. So if you reserve to locations for two days, you owe for permit fees.

Other Things to Know Before Your Move:

If you need to change the date, time, or location of your permit, make sure you do so before the signs are posted. Once they have been posted no changes will be accepted unless due to extreme weather conditions. Also keep in mind that the space you reserve needs to account for the ramp that you will be unloading the truck with. Side ramps that block the sidewalk are strictly forbidden. As an additional convenience moving trucks can be kept on the street overnight if parking space is reserved for two consecutive days.

On The Day of the Move:

It is smart to check the reserved parking space early the day of your move to make sure that someone isn’t still parked there. If you find vehicles parked there when your moving truck is about to arrive you should call the Cambridge Police Department at 617-349-330 and give them your location information along with the information on the physical permit you obtained. An officer will be dispatched to the scene and will attempt to contact the vehicle owner first to give them a chance to move their vehicle. As a last resort the vehicle will be towed to clear your reserved parking area. This process can take an hour or more so it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of lead time.

After The Move:

After the move is complete make sure to take down the signs you posted, the city will not do the for you. Also make sure to clean the area for moving debris and trash so that you do not get fined by the City of Cambridge.